A motorway sign reads "Essential workers we thank you" in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak and the efforts of those working during the crisis, along a quiet street in Wellington, New Zealand on April 20, 2020. AFP / Marty MELVILLE
ANKARA: Shutting schools did not help New Zealand’s fight against coronavirus. On the contrary, it led to a spike in social issues, a recent government report has said.
New Zealand is under lockdown until Wednesday to stem spread of the deadly virus. The country has 1,445 infections while nine others have died due to coronavirus.
"Recently emerging evidence suggests closure of education institutions has a limited role in reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality," daily New Zealand Herald quoted a 16-page report by the Health Ministry.
Schools and childcare centers were closed as part of government measures to protect people from being infected by the deadly disease.
In its latest decision, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the lockdown will be slowly eased down starting next week.
"Closing schools and childcare centres probably had only a minimal effect on reducing COVID-19, but is causing major social damage,” the report noted.
The ministry has also supported the government’s move to open schools for children whose parents need to go back to work under "level 3 of the coronavirus alert system”.
"Educational institution closures come with significant and enduring adverse impacts on health, education, economic and social inequities,” the report added.
